Venue Focus: Houchins in Coggeshall

In early December I had the pleasure of visiting a brand new venue in the Essex countryside that has open its door to weddings. Houchins is a Grade 2 listed Farmhouse with a newly converted barn complex. Owners Adam and Anna decided that after successful 10 years creating weddings at Dove Barn in Suffolk it was time they created a masterpiece in the Essex countryside – And what a master piece it is! It is my privilege to add this to my list of recommended venues in Essex.

A little bit of History

Houchins was Adams family home where he grew up as a child. Filled with memories, he wanted to share this wonderful place and create new memories with couples on their special day. The farmhouse and the barns have been lovingly restored to create a simply stunning venue.

The Barn

Looking at the photos from before the conversion started, Houchins barn was merely a shell. It now offers a choice of indoor modernness and outdoor simplicity.

Cleverly planned the barn offers options for a beautiful indoor ceremony in The Foundry, which can then be transformed into a nightclub for your evening reception.

The Chitting Shed, which links to the Foundary, is a perfect area for a relaxed drinks reception. The area is a focused around the bar with its mirrored backdrop and looks out through its huge glass double doors onto the terrace and gardens.

The Grainstore has been restored as a dining area able to seat 150. It has a fantastic mezzanine gallery to make full use of the 35 foot ceilings, but I must say the stunning open fire place and the fairy light canopy simply made this barn truly unique for me.

Ceremony

One of the wonderful things about Houchins is the variety of locations you are able to have your ceremony. Ranging from the cosyiness of the farmhouse, to the grandeur of the barn and the open air of the Ceremony Loggia. This makes Houchins perfect for both Summer and Winter weddings.

Accommodation

Houchins Farmhouse, located only 50 metres from the venue, offers comfortable accommodation for the bridal party. The house has been restored and beautifully decorated to offer friends and family a relaxed self catering environment. Consisting of 4 suites and 2 further bedrooms the house is able to sleep 12 adults – Perfect for the night before your big day with all your bridesmaids or for the night of your wedding as they offer a stunning Bridal Suite.

The Location

Nestled in the Essex countryside, Houchins is 15 mins from Colchester and 10 mins from Braintree. With Easy access off the A 120 it is the ideal for couples all over Essex and a far. In fact it is only 5 minutes from Dream Occasions HQ

What I Love!

I can honestly say Houchins is truly amazing. Although a barn conversion, I can honestly say that I have never seen anything so unique and so simply stunning. It feels like modern meets industrial, not everyone will love the corrugated ceiling, some will say when will the ceiling be finished? But for me, I love that it feels a bit raw, it doesn’t feel like a traditional wedding barn venue.

A couple of things that “Wowed” it for me;

The huge open fireplace in the dining area

Under floor heating throughout the barn

Floating fairy light canopy hanging from the 30 foot ceiling

Ceiling to floor glass doors opening up onto a superb terrace

Accommodation 10 steps away!

The ability to offer an al fresco ceremony but also dining should you desire

Pricing

Prices vary depending on when you are looking for. You will pay for the venue hire and then all drinks are to be bought through the venue. In terms of catering they do have 5 preferred caterers to choose from so every taste and budget should be catered for.

Wow, isn’t it just beautiful! I had a peep on the website after finding your post and it’s amazing what they’ve done with that barn. What an exciting venture to be a part of, thank you for sharing. It’s always lovely to have a stunning new venue in the area.

WELCOME

I am the owner of Dream Occasions, and I love to create timeless weddings and spectacular parties for my clients. I launched my company in 2002 following a successful corporate career in London and although based in Essex I cover all of East Anglia.